Exchange old resume beliefs with a new twist

Starting a successful job search next year comes with some new twists to a traditional way of using your resume to reach employers. The days are gone where you could fill in the blanks using an objective statement template while listing all your employers with job duties in a systematic fashion.

In 2019, you’ll need to focus your efforts on the type of information you want to present as well as make use of keywords that connect with applicant-tracking software. More than likely your resume will be read first by software and a human second.

Giving up old resume habits and replacing them with new variations will help you overcome some of the beliefs that keep your resume from generating attention. For example, the notion that a one-page resume is better than using a two-page keeps job seekers confused and somewhat exasperated by spending needless energy trying to keep their information on a one-page format.

The real struggle with resume lengths shows up when you find yourself facing a dilemma with the type of information to present. Hoping to cram your life’s work on one page while showing your personal brand and accomplishments can be a daunting task based on a trendy belief rather than having a resume that fits you and the employers needs.

Resumes have been around for centuries starting with Leonardo da Vinci who introduced the brilliant concept of talking about what he could do for an employer however the way your information is arranged in 2019 can make a huge difference in generating attention.

In the past, one-page resumes were often touted as the only way you could compete with other candidates by giving just enough information to capture interest without boring the reader with details.

While it’s true that your information needs to be crisp and clear, it’s also true you need to have enough information to make it past screening applications. If you have more than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume combined with an unreadable font size may cause you more harm than good.

A two-page resume might be just what you need in-spite of the dire warnings that you’ll lose an employer’s interest with too much content. Consider using a resume length that’s right for you and not one based on outdated beliefs that a one-page resume is all you need.

Regardless of length, you need to include essential information such as:

• Your summary and personal branding statement can be used in creative ways, for example instead of a traditional summary paragraph you might substitute your branding statement if space is an issue.

• Keywords are necessary in 2019 and without them your resume could circulate endlessly leaving you guessing about your application and leading to a case of self-doubt. Applicant tracking software is more sophisticated and is built for keyword usage.

• Your current employer as well as those in the last ten years will be the most significant to potential employers. Use your resume space wisely to show why you are valuable, your accomplishments must shine in order to attract interviewers.

• Avoid listing job duties, it will only send the impression you are clueless about your skills and lack self-awareness. You need to “know” and “show” specifically what you do that matters and your worth to an employer.

• Write your accomplishments without the fear of bragging instead choose words that convey your strengths combined with keywords that support your accomplishments, use quantifying or qualifying measures to back-up your skills.

Adding a new twist to your resume could be just what you need to turn things towards your favor in the coming year. While resume writing might not be your favorite activity, never discount the benefits you receive when you recall all your accomplishments one by one. The process of writing helps you develop a healthy dose of self-awareness as well as prepare in advance for talking about your skills.

How has keywords changed your resume? Do you think a one-page resume is all you need in today’s job market?